Friday, October 29, 2010

Swedish heavy metallers ENFORCER have finished filming a new music video for the song 'Midnight Vice' in Stockholm, Sweden.

ENFORCER shot the video with famed director PATRIC ULLAEUS (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE). The video sees the band doing what they do best - rocking out in a typical Swedish bar and around the city of Stockholm.

The track 'Midnight Vice' is taken from the band's new album, DIAMONDS. The video will be released in the next few weeks.

ENFORCER drummer JONAS WIKSTRAND comments:

"We finally finished the shooting of the video, after planning this for months. All of us had pain in our necks after one day of shooting from giving everything during our performances in the studio. I have a really good feeling about the video and I think it's gonna be killer.

"Working with Patric, who's made tons of videos during the last decades with huge success, has been a great experience. He's very professional and talented and I believe he's gonna make us look good. I hope the video's gonna be out soon so YOU can see it!

"Now, I'm looking forward to coming to see you on our upcoming tour with Airbourne! Stay tuned for more!"

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Brandishing a snarling Phil Anselmo on its cover, the new (Dec 2010) issue of Decibel magazine contains a 2 page feature on Chicago deathcore heavyweights, OCEANO. Vocalist, Adam Warren and guitarist, Devin Shidaker give their take on songs presented to them by the magazine in their monthly "Call & Response" feature. What band caused Adam to state that "Any band that references "Baal" is right off the bat gonna earn points with me?" Why did Devin reference one band with a single, long expletive? Find out in the new issue of Decibel magazine.

Due to be released in North America on November 9th, CONTAGION is the long awaited follow-up to OCEANO's 2009 Billboard-charting debut album, DEPTHS, and features eleven brutal new tracks. Get the album on iTunes and you'll also receive an exclusive bonus demo track not available anywhere else.

OCEANO is giving fans the chance to win an iPad. That's right! A brand-spanking-new iPad is up for grabs. All fans must do is go to http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_672_698 and pre-order CONTAGION. Pre-order the album on its own, with a hoodie, a shirt or any other configuration that can be conceived. As long as the pre-order is made through the EARACHE US WEBSTORE, fans will automatically be entered into a drawing to win.

OCEANO have released a 6+ minute trailer for a bonus DVD that fans can find EXCLUSIVELY at all Transworld stores (which include FYE, Coconuts, Saturday Matinee, Spin Street and more). For a taste of the CREATING THE CONTAGION DVD, watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3Zdudwjc8

You can also pre-order CONTAGION directly from the band at their merch stall at any of their current shows.

Catch OCEANO live on their "Contagion Across the Nation" tour with CHELSEA GRIN, ATTILA, IN THE MIDST OF LIONS and MONSTERS:

British melodic death metallers THE SOULLESS, who recently changed their name from IGNOMINIOUS INCARCERATION, will begin recording their new album on December 15th.

THE SOULLESS will be entering Outhouse Studios in Reading, England on December 15th with producer JOHN MITCHELL (ARCHITECTS, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, ENTER SHIKARI) and will be recording through until January 2011.

The follow-up to the band's 2009 debut album, OF WINTER BORN, is due to be released on Earache Records in April 2011.

THE SOULLESS frontman ANDY WARDLE comments:

"We couldn't be more excited about going into the studio. We were supposed to be going in in September, but because of the accident it had to be put back. So we've been waiting a long time to get in there! We have used our time well, however, to really tweak all the tracks and we are very happy with the result. We are also looking forward to working with the guys at Outhouse as we think they can really deliver the sound we want for this album.

"Everything we do will be recorded and so expect in-depth video updates of the recording process, showing clips of new material. We will also be putting up a video before we enter, showing our writing process and talking more extensively about the new style of music. Keep checking the updates and be excited!"

THE SOULLESS recently released a brand new pre-production track to give fans a taste of the new material. Listen to the new track, "Earthbound", now on the band's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/wearethesoulless

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Earache Records is due to release TOTAL BREAKDOWN, a 3-CD collection of essential deathcore releases, in a special value pack on November 22nd in North America.

TOTAL BREAKDOWN features three incredible deathcore debuts, each barely a year old, in one low-priced pack for an unbeatable price. All of the CDs are the full versions with booklets in jewel cases and are all housed together in a custom bookshelf box.

Monday, October 25, 2010

REFRESH THE DEMON, the 1996 album from Canadian melodic thrash metal pioneers ANNIHILATOR, has been reissued and is out now in Europe.

Following the recent release of ANNIHILATOR's critically acclaimed, self-titled new album, Earache Records is reissuing six albums from the band's illustrious back-catalogue. REFRESH THE DEMON is fifth album in the series to be released, following CARNIVAL DIABLOS, CRITERIA FOR A BLACK WIDOW, WAKING THE FURY and KING OF THE KILL.

REFRESH THE DEMON is available now on CD in a custom slipcase and includes three demo versions of classic Annihilator tunes as bonus tracks.

To celebrate this great series of ANNIHILATOR reissues, Earache Records is offering a free, sturdy bookshelf box to fans as a way of neatly and proudly displaying the six albums. The free bookshelf box is available to European fans (CDs not included) and features stunning ANNIHILATOR artwork and a personal message to the fans from ANNIHILATOR guitarist and mastermind JEFF WATERS.

To get your free ANNIHILATOR bookshelf box, simply e-mail your full name and postal address to annihilatorbox@earache.com with the subject "Annihilator box".

Friday, October 22, 2010

EVILE, the UK's premiere thrash act have been thrilling crowds in North America for the last several weeks and they've been documenting their experiences in a tour blog exclusively on the official website of Hails and Horns magazine. The band has battled sickness, encountered random highway closures and and experienced unfortunate van troubles that temporarily hindered some things but only strengthened the band's resolve to give their fans a truly world class metal show.

In the latest blog entry, guitarist, Ol Drake speaks about having to improvise a setlist for an impromptu headline show, the band's adventures at the Canadian border and how to properly wrestle someone while drunk in New York City. Read EVILE's latest tour blog entry at http://www.hailsandhorns.com/featured/evile-tour-diary-entry-5/

INFECTED NATIONS, the ripping 2009 album from British thrashers EVILE, has been re-released as a special redux version and is available now in North America.

The follow-up to EVILE's debut album, ENTER THE GRAVE, INFECTED NATIONS sees the band finding a new level of maturity and song-writing craftsmanship, creating a heavier thrash sound with even more infectious riffs to headbang to.

On top of the nine album tracks, the INFECTED NATIONS Redux also features a bonus disc with EVILE's popular cover of PANTERA's "Cemetery Gates", as well as eight songs recorded at a live rehearsal in the studio and six songs recorded live at Hammerfest in 2009.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Earache Records is due to release METAL SURVIVAL KIT, the ultimate box set for all metal fans, on November 22nd for the incredible price of just a single CD.

METAL SURVIVAL KIT celebrates the diversity and comradeship of metal, offering over 80 tracks spread across three CDs and one DVD.

The three audio discs, "Festival Faves", "Future Classics" and "Under the Radar", offer an indispensable mixture of established classic hits, the best of metal's new breed and more underground artists deserving of recognition.

The DVD includes classic videos as well as previously unreleased videos from EVILE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, AT THE GATES, WHITE WIZZARD, BONDED BY BLOOD, AKERCOCKE and more.

METAL SURVIVAL KIT also includes a selection of exclusive, free essential goodies, including earplugs in a handy holder, a woven patch, a keyring and stickers. Everything comes housed in a rigid, deluxe box.

British technical death metallers THE BOY WILL DROWN are currently on the road in Europe and have completed the second leg of their headlining European tour.

THE BOY WILL DROWN have just finished the second run of shows, which saw them perform throughout mainland Europe with support from FORGETTOFORGIVE. The band is returning to the UK for the final leg of the tour, which includes some rescheduled shows.

THE BOY WILL DROWN update from the road:

"We've had an amazing time with FORGETTOFORGIVE and we all left as good friends! They're an amazing band and amazing people so we certainly recommend people check 'em out. Great shows were played and more awesome sights were seen. Waking up to the sunny view of the Swiss Alps is something none of us, I think, will ever forget. Makes all the problems we've experienced on tour seem insignificant.

"We also say bye to our good mate Ryan Mason; we got some awesome footage, photos and good times! Currently being edited so updates will be available and floating about soon. It was an absolute pleasure to have him onboard and we'll hopefully be seeing him on future tours soon for more of his 'Painting & Decorating' skills!

"After a few days rest at home, we're now on the final leg of the tour, this time with Eradication. A few changes have been made to the schedule."

Irish thrashers GAMA BOMB are gearing up for their first ever North American tour, which kicks off this Saturday, October 23rd in Seattle, Washington.

GAMA BOMB will be tearing around the USA and Canada with the likes of OVERKILL, FORBIDDEN, EVILE, BONDED BY BLOOD and DRI, and will be out on the road until just before Christmas.

GAMA BOMB frontman PHILLY BYRNE reveals how the band has been preparing for such a huge tour so far away:

"Speaking to embassy people through bullet-proof glass; working out how long a pair of underpants can be made to last; factoring in strepped throat, voltage converters and flu pills: just some of the work that has gone into bringing GAMA BOMB to North America this winter. Dollars feel more like money than Euro - they're thicker and crunch up nicely. We won't be seeing too many of them over the next few months, but we're jonesing to get to the US and begin the tour to end all tours.

"If you're reading this and are in a good mood, please bring us some real moonshine, hooch or bath tub white lightning (test it first for potability - we can't afford to go blind) or failing that your local beer. We intend to drink America."

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

EARACHE RECORDS is proud to announce the worldwide signing of the Canadian cult metal act, WOODS OF YPRES. Formed in 2002, WOODS OF YPRES have earned critical acclaim for their ever-evolving, envelope-pushing mix of blackened doom metal. Most often compared to bands such as AGALLOCH and TYPE O NEGATIVE, WOODS OF YPRES toe a thin line between the catchy, the artistic and the extreme to create an unmistakable signature sound.

With this signing comes controversy. As many may know, WOODS OF YPRES had previously announced that they were disbanding so why would EARACHE sign a defunct act? Truth is, the band never really broke up to begin with. Let frontman, David Gold explain his side of things:

"After 8 long years of pushing forward, recording five albums and going on multiple tours as an independent band, we are very proud to announce that we have finally signed WOODS OF YPRES to Earache Records. To address the rumors (some that we ran with and some that we started ourselves), WOODS OF YPRES never actually broke up/disbanded/quit/ended, at all. Allow me to explain.

We just released the massive W4: The GREEN Album late last year (not even a year ago yet!), toured North America this past summer and then in August, we recorded our fifth album, Woods 5: "You Were the Light". We've always been gluttons for pain and punishment in this band, and we've put ourselves through some hellishly busy years while keeping this band alive (not even considering all the side projects the guys and I have done during the same time!). Being the black and 'true doom' artists that we are, we simply couldn't resist the urge to take advantage of the opportunity to experiment with the drama and reaction to the news that we finally, unexpectedly and mysteriously decided to give up after all this time, after all that momentum, after coming this far.

Putting an end to WOODS OF YPRES, after all it's been through, would be the saddest and most unfair thing we could ever do to this band and our supporters. I also think it was important for us, the band, to imagine and realize how it would feel, if it were true, if we did decide to finally call it quits when things were just starting to happen. Offering the news of our demise was also the most satisfying false sense of temporary satisfaction we could possibly give to our many haters who've been hoping that we'd finally quit for years, of whose lost spirits we can now continue to crush with the announcement of our signing to the mighty Earache Records!

So WOODS OF YPRES never broke up, and we are in fact, finally, stronger than ever. However, at the end of August of this year, I did move to Kuwait for work. I am here now, in the desert, working. When I come home (maybe sooner than expected), we will finally have the opportunity for a fresh start for a new era of the band and a redefinition of the WOODS OF YPRES sound! W5 is the end of our "indy" career and also the start of our "pro" career with Earache. The opportunity to write and record W6 in collaboration with Earache is the most exciting opportunity this band has ever had and I can already say that it will be our finest work. In the meantime, we intend to tour, hard, everywhere! Contact your local promoters and tell them to bring us to town! This band will never quit. All the best is still yet to come. On behalf of the band, Evan, Shane and Joel, thank you for all your kind wishes of congratulations now, and especially for all your support and encouragement throughout these last eight years! More news soon! DG - \w/"

WOODS 5 and reissues of their entire catalogue will be out on EARACHE RECORDS in 2011.

MUNICIPAL WASTE have premiered the new music video, "Wolves of Chernobyl." Directed by Dave Brodsky (SHADOWS FALL, GWAR, KYLESA) and taken from the band's 2009 release, MASSIVE AGGRESSIVE, "Wolves of Chernobyl" captures the critically acclaimed Richmond, VA act at their rowdy best.

Richmond, VA's MUNICIPAL WASTE have added a number of dates en route to their Fun Fun Fun Fest appearance on November 6th. They'll be playing alongside such revered acts as SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and HIGH ON FIRE.

Monday, October 18, 2010

SHOOTING STAR, the brand new single from Los Angeles traditional heavy metal band WHITE WIZZARD, is available to buy now exclusively on iTunes.

SHOOTING STAR is a new, original track and was written as a tribute to RONNIE JAMES DIO. Also included on the digital single is a cover of DIO's anthemic WE ROCK as the second track. The two tracks are the first songs to be recorded with new WHITE WIZZARD vocalist PETER ELLIS.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Chicago deathcore heavyweights OCEANO have just debuted a sleek new update to their official MySpace page. Anchored by the artwork of their November 9th release, CONTAGION, the new MySpace design makes it easier to get the latest news, music and CONTAGION pre-order info straight from the band themselves. Check it out at http://myspace.com/oceano

OCEANO recently stopped in New York City to shoot a music video for the CONTAGION track, "Weaponized." Directed by Kevin Custer (TESTAMENT, HATEBREED, TOMBS, JUSTIN BIEBER), the video will blend intense performance footage with acted sequences that directly tie into the concept of the album. View some pictures of the shoot here:

Due to be released in North America on November 9th, CONTAGION is the long awaited follow-up to OCEANO's 2009 Billboard-charting debut album, DEPTHS, and features eleven brutal new tracks. Get the album on iTunes and you'll also receive an exclusive bonus demo track not available anywhere else.

OCEANO have released a 6+ minute trailer for a bonus DVD that fans can find EXCLUSIVELY at all Transworld stores (which include FYE, Coconuts, Saturday Matinee, Spin Street and more). For a taste of the CREATING THE CONTAGION DVD, watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3Zdudwjc8

You can also pre-order CONTAGION directly from the band at their merch stall at any of their current shows.

Catch OCEANO live on "The Corruptour" with WHITECHAPEL, IMPENDING DOOM, MISS MAY I and I DECLARE WAR at the following remaining shows:

British technical death metallers THE BOY WILL DROWN are currently on the road in Europe on a headlining tour.

The band, who also recently announced a 2011 European tour, are playing with support from bands including WRECK OF THE MINOTAUR, FORGETTOFORGIVE and ERADICATION.

THE BOY WILL DROWN update from the road:

"Level 1 complete! We've played some wicked shows up and down the UK from London to Edinburgh and met some awesome and memorable people. Grimsby in particular was perhaps one of the most surreal experiences when we met someone who had the TBWD 'Fetish' album artwork tattooed on his upper arm (viewable on our Tumblr page) which gave us very much a proud feeling.

"In addition, The Boy Will Drown are pleased to announce that Ryan Mason (www.ryanmasonimaging.com) will be joining the band on tour around Europe over the next ten days. Ryan, a freelance professional photographer based in Norwich, will be documenting the tour with video and photo footage, as well as being the band's bitch by providing the band with other 'services'! The 24-year old, who has recently worked with the likes of Paramore, Cancer Bats and photographed at both Download and Reading festivals, thought the next best step to further his career would clearly be to document The Boy Will Drown on tour!"

When not making heads bang nightly,BONDED BY BLOODhave been detailing all of their tour experiences on a tour blog exclusively atSkullsNBones.com. In their latest installment, the band details 3 Texas shows that saw the band playing video games in their van, having meetings with BBQ ribs and playing surprise festivals:"Today was a bit of a shocker! We played at the Ridglea Theater in Ft. Worth Texas with Cattle Decapitation and Devourment. What happened was that two tours combined into one big ass gig. There was 11 bands total that played I believe, it was a huge package - "that's what she said"